Comparative Analysis of the General Agricultural Education Content in the 2007-2022 Revised Practical Arts Curriculumfor Elementary Schools

This study examined the content of general agricultural education within the revised elementary school practical arts curriculum (2007-2022) to identify problems and propose solutions. A literature review and curriculum content analysis were conducted. Based on prior research, the general agricultural education content in the revised curriculum was divided into nine specific areas and analyzed. Overall, the revised elementary school practical arts curriculum consistently encompassed the areas of “Our Life and Agriculture,” “Plant Production,” and “Animal Production” in its general agricultural education content. The areas of “Understanding Agriculture,” “Scientification of Agriculture,” and “Agriculture and Career Paths” were also partially included. However, “Agricultural Policy” was entirely omitted. As a result, “Agricultural Policy” content should be incorporated and tailored to the level of elementary school students. The “Understanding Agriculture” section should be expanded to provide elementary school students with a comprehensive understanding of agriculture. The “Agriculture and Career Paths” section should also be emphasized to ensure connections between agricultural careers. Moreover, concerns have been consistently raised concerning the inclusion of general agricultural education as a sub-element of technology within the “World of Technology” section of the revised elementary school practical arts curriculum. To address these, it is necessary to add an agriculture section to the revised curriculum, providing a more systematic and diverse approach to general agricultural education. The primary objective of general agricultural education in elementary school is to cultivate awareness of agriculture. Consequently, to be effective, the content should be designed to align with the interests and the development level of students. Furthermore, it is crucial to incorporate a wide range of content that reflects the organizational principles of the curriculum and promotes knowledge of and interest in agriculture.